The Government is rolling out developments in relation to the creation of an integrated refugee policy, President of the Republic Nicos Christodoulides said today.
In his remarks to reporters, coming to the offices of the Cyprus Red Cross for an event in connection with the launch of a fundraiser, the President of the Republic, asked about the issue of Varosha and the plans of the occupying power, said: "All the competent services of the state together with the Legal Service - and this morning we had a relevant discussion on the issue at the Presidential Palace in a meeting held in the presence of the Attorney General, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Interior - we are investigating the whole perspective, but also the need at last, after so many years, to develop a specific refugee policy, so that we are not faced with this kind of data."
And if you look at the election programme, there are specific issues that touch on the "There are immediate actions that are being taken on the part of the government, along with - and the key issue - how to create data that will lead to the resumption of the talks from where they left off in Crans-Montana.
And that is where the effort is focused, we discussed this recently in France with the French President, and that is why I will also go to Berlin, precisely to see immediately after the Turkish elections how the data are created that will lead us to the resumption of the talks."
Asked whether the Government is considering compensatory measures in relation to the enclosed city of Famagusta, the President of the Republic said: "(They are) being studied in general in relation to refugee policy. And we have to admit that since 1974 there has not been a comprehensive refugee policy. We have to call a spade a spade."
Asked to comment on a statement by the General Secretary of AKEL that there is no proposal on the Cyprus problem on the part of the government, the President of the Republic said "it is sad when the executive, the government, which the Cypriot people have chosen about two months ago, is making a specific effort which is welcomed by our partners in the EU, an effort which the United Nations Secretary General himself, the United Nations, sees positively, to have these kinds of approaches at home. Beyond that, everyone is judged every day by the Cypriot people."
Asked to comment on the issue of a specific appointment to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the President of the Republic said: "Nothing but nothing will be done that escapes the framework of legality. And I am very well aware of the decisions of the Council of Ministers. Beyond that, if there is any criticism, which is welcome criticism, it should be directed at the government, at the executive and not cannibalism against individuals. At last let us be a little careful, criticism, it is welcome, it is welcome, we are in a democratic country, but it should be directed towards the executive."
He reiterated that nothing will be done that goes outside the framework of legality, noting: "I am vertical on this issue on all aspects concerning decisions, laws, regulations and so on."
Finally, asked if the Government had received any evidence in relation to the issue of sanctions, the President said: "No, they have not been sent but soon you can expect to hear some concrete decisions on the part of the Government, possibly at the next Cabinet meeting, in relation to this issue."
(PM/MB/SX)
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